NUR2310C Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Superior Vena Cava, Ductus Arteriosus, Aortic Valve
Document Summary
*blood enters the right atrium from the inferior and superior vena cava. From there it is pumped into the pulmonary artery to the lungs where it gains oxygen and loses carbon dioxide. Pulmonary veins bring the oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium. 90% of blood bypasses lungs via foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus. When the fetus is in utero the right side of the heart has higher pressure than left side (immediately after birth the left side has higher pressure again) X-ray determines the size of the heart, it can also see the pulmonary vascular markings, the shape of the way the heart sets in the cavity and also shows the fluid in the lungs. Doppler live action with the doppler, non-invasive, children may need to be sedated, purpose is to see how the valves are functioning and provides an image of the heart.
